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Warts and Birthmarks

Birthmarks and warts are both conditions that affect the skin. However, the two conditions have little in common. Birthmarks and warts are caused by two different biological processes.

  1. Warts

    • Warts are caused by a form of the human papilloma virus. They are usually noncancerous growths that form on different areas of the body. Warts can be flat, raised, or buried inside the skin.

    Birthmarks

    • KidsHealth.org explains that there are two different types of birthmarks. Vascular birthmarks are caused by a malformation of blood vessels. Many of these disappear when the child is still young. Pigmented birthmarks are caused by an excess of pigment in one area. These do not fade, and they can be disfiguring for a child, depending on their location and size.

    When to See a Doctor

    • A doctor should evaluate a birthmark if it becomes infected or forms open sores, or if the birthmark grows or changes in color, size or texture. Warts that do not respond to home treatments can be removed through cryotherapy (freezing), laser surgery, or electrosurgery.

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